Abstract: This application describes a device for stimulating a geologic formation using an electrically throttled liquid propellant. The device may be used for primary stimulation, changing the direction of a fracture in a wellbore during hydraulic fracturing, a re-frac of an existing interval to open new areas in an open interval, or reset fracture conductivity after extended shut in of the well. This comprises deploying the device on tubing or wireline and positioning it close to the selected wellbore interval where liquid propellant can be selectively ignited. The device's controls release and ignite an energetic material that produces expanding gas to increase pressure and stimulate the selected interval. The device is comprised of a reservoir to hold energetic material, a metering system to release propellant at a desired rate, an electrical ignition source to control output, a no backflow valve, and control module that operates the metering and electrical ignition.

Abstract: An actuator sub for generating hydraulic pressure having a sub housing which includes (i) an outer surface, (ii) a main flow passage extending though the sub housing, and (iii) a wall space formed between the main flow passage and the housing outer surface. At least a first hydraulic tube is position in the wall space and an equalization port is configured to transmit pressure in the main flow passage to the first hydraulic tube. A drive motor driving an bi-directional hydraulic motor, are positioned in the first hydraulic tube, with the hydraulic motor being configured to output fluid to a fluid outlet of the first hydraulic tube, and the hydraulic motor, when not under power, allowing the reverse flow of fluid through the hydraulic motor. The actuator sub includes the absence of a check valve along a path carrying fluid between the hydraulic motor and the outlet of the second hydraulic tube.

Abstract: This application describes a device for stimulating a geologic formation using an electrically throttled liquid propellant. The device may be used for primary stimulation, changing the direction of a fracture in a wellbore during hydraulic fracturing, a re-frac of an existing interval to open new areas in an open interval, or reset fracture conductivity after extended shut in of the well. This comprises deploying the device on tubing or wireline and positioning it close to the selected wellbore interval where liquid propellant can be selectively ignited. The device's controls release and ignite an energetic material that produces expanding gas to increase pressure and stimulate the selected interval. The device is comprised of a reservoir to hold energetic material, a metering system to release propellant at a desired rate, an electrical ignition source to control output, a no backflow valve, and control module that operates the metering and electrical ignition.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: An actuator sub for generating hydraulic pressure having a sub housing which includes (i) an outer surface, (ii) a main flow passage extending though the sub housing, and (iii) a wall space formed between the main flow passage and the housing outer surface. At least a first hydraulic tube is position in the wall space and an equalization port is configured to transmit pressure in the main flow passage to the first hydraulic tube. A drive motor driving an bi-directional hydraulic motor, are positioned in the first hydraulic tube, with the hydraulic motor being configured to output fluid to a fluid outlet of the first hydraulic tube, and the hydraulic motor, when not under power, allowing the reverse flow of fluid through the hydraulic motor. The actuator sub includes the absence of a check valve along a path carrying fluid between the hydraulic motor and the outlet of the second hydraulic tube.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation. The method begins with positioning a stimulation tool into a wellbore formed through the formation. The stimulation tool includes (i) at least one tubular segment; (ii) an outer sleeve positioned on the tubular segment and forming an annular space between the tubular segment and the outer sleeve; (iii) a propellant positioned within the annular space; (iv) at least one ignitor positioned to ignite the propellant; (v) at least one rupture disc positioned within a wall of the tubular segment; and (vi) the absence of a detonator for detonating the propellant. Thereafter, the propellant is ignited to begin deflagration of the propellant.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A propellant tool for use in a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tool includes a tubular body having a connector on each end for connection with other tubular members within a tubular string. A coded marker is positioned on the tubular body and a propellant chamber is positioned on an outside surface of the tubular body. A propellant ignition mechanism positioned on the tubular body for igniting the propellant in the propellant chamber.

Abstract: A method, system, and associated apparatus are described for installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system is at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are described for locating, installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system comprises at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of: a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: A propellant tool for use in a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tool includes a tubular body having a connector on each end for connection with other tubular members within a tubular string. A coded marker is positioned on the tubular body and a propellant chamber is positioned on an outside surface of the tubular body. A propellant ignition mechanism positioned on the tubular body for igniting the propellant in the propellant chamber.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump (2) for use in a sterilization apparatus (10) comprises: a flexible pump hose (44) having an outlet end and an inlet end, and an electrically conductive fitting (53) at each end; a motor-driven impeller (46) disposed in relation to the pump hose (44) such that when the impeller (46) is driven it will intermittently bear against the pump hose (44) so as to bring the internal walls of the pump hose together (62); a first electrode (52a) in contact with the conductive fitting (53a) at the outlet end of the pump hose (44), and a second electrode (52b) in contact with the conductive fitting (53b) at the inlet end of the pump hose (44); means (70) for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes (52); and means (70) for measuring an electrical property between the conductive fittings (53). Other aspects of the invention provide a sterilization apparatus including the pump, and a method of using the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A propellant tool for use in a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tool includes a tubular body having a connector on each end for connection with other tubular members within a tubular string. A coded marker is positioned on the tubular body and a propellant chamber is positioned on an outside surface of the tubular body. A propellant ignition mechanism positioned on the tubular body for igniting the propellant in the propellant chamber.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are described for locating, installing, inventorying, actuating, and/or accessing down-hole equipment in a wellbore. This comprises tagging a casing by inserting permanent components of material compositions within sections along the length of a casing. Inserted components and/or portions of an original section function as unique readable active and/or passive markers. The piping system comprises at least one pipe having a plurality of markers placed in radial sections strategically arranged with independently identical or different material compositions or embedded in a length of the wellbore casing. The sections function as markers forming a readable pattern readable by the reader(s). The reader is one of or a combination of any of the group consisting of: a plug, a probe, a sensor, and/or a computer for reading markers. The reader travels in either a forward or backward direction.

Abstract: An analysis device for mass discrimination is disclosed. The analysis device comprises: a sample chamber for holding a gaseous sample; an analysis chamber arranged to receive sample gas from the sample chamber; a mass discriminator arranged to discriminate in the analysis chamber between ion species generated from the sample gas; and a wall separating the sample chamber from the analysis chamber, the wall comprising a rupture zone controllable to rupture and thereby release sample gas from the sample chamber into the analysis chamber. In one embodiment the rupture zone is adapted to rupture on application of an electric current or mechanical force. The wall may be micromachined. A method of mass discrimination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump (2) for use in a sterilisation apparatus (10) comprises: a flexible pump hose (44) having an outlet end and an inlet end, and an electrically conductive fitting (53) at each end; a motor-driven impeller (46) disposed in relation to the pump hose (44) such that when the impeller (46) is driven it will intermittently bear against the pump hose (44) so as to bring the internal walls of the pump hose together (62); a first electrode (52a) in contact with the conductive fitting (53a) at the outlet end of the pump hose (44), and a second electrode (52b) in contact with the conductive fitting (53b) at the inlet end of the pump hose (44); means (70) for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes (52); and means (70) for measuring an electrical property between the conductive fittings (53). Other aspects of the invention provide a sterilisation apparatus including the pump, and a method of using the sterilisation apparatus.